Salisbury Cathedral
History
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England. The cathedral is a prime example of Early English Gothic architecture and is renowned for its tall spire, which stands at 404 feet (123 meters), making it the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom. The construction of the cathedral began in 1220 and was completed in 1258, with the spire added later in the 14th century.
The cathedral was built to replace the original cathedral at Old Sarum, which was deemed unsuitable due to its exposed and windy location. The decision to move the cathedral was made by Bishop Richard Poore, who chose the current site in the valley of the River Avon. The foundation stone was laid on April 28, 1220, and the cathedral was consecrated on September 30, 1258.
Architectural Features
Salisbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The cathedral's plan is cruciform, with a long nave, transepts, and a choir. The nave is notable for its length, measuring 248 feet (75.6 meters), making it one of the longest in England.
The cathedral's spire, added between 1320 and 1330, is a remarkable feat of medieval engineering. It is supported by a complex system of internal and external buttresses, which help to distribute the weight and prevent the structure from collapsing. The spire is also equipped with a series of iron ties and chains, which provide additional stability.
The west front of the cathedral is adorned with numerous statues and carvings, depicting biblical figures, saints, and angels. The central portal is flanked by two towers, which were originally intended to be topped with spires but were left unfinished.
Stained Glass and Interior
The interior of Salisbury Cathedral is equally impressive, with its soaring vaults and elegant columns. The nave is lined with a series of pointed arches, supported by slender columns with intricately carved capitals. The choir, located at the eastern end of the cathedral, is separated from the nave by a stone screen known as the pulpitum.
One of the most striking features of the cathedral's interior is its collection of stained glass windows. The Great East Window, installed in the 19th century, depicts scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral also houses a number of medieval stained glass windows, including the famous Jesse Window, which illustrates the genealogy of Christ.
The cathedral's Chapter House, built in the mid-13th century, is another architectural gem. It is an octagonal structure with a central pillar supporting a ribbed vault. The walls of the Chapter House are adorned with a series of medieval carvings, depicting scenes from the Old Testament.
The Magna Carta
Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, a historic document signed by King John of England in 1215. The Magna Carta is considered one of the most important legal documents in history, as it established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.
The cathedral's copy of the Magna Carta is housed in the Chapter House, where it is displayed in a specially designed case to protect it from light and humidity. The document is written in Latin on parchment and is notable for its detailed and precise script.
The Cloisters and Close
The cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral are the largest in England, measuring 181 feet (55 meters) on each side. The cloisters consist of a covered walkway surrounding a central courtyard, and they provide access to various parts of the cathedral, including the Chapter House and the library.
The cathedral is surrounded by a large walled area known as the Close, which covers 80 acres (32 hectares). The Close is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Bishop's Palace, the Deanery, and several canonries. The Close also contains a number of gardens and lawns, which provide a peaceful setting for visitors to the cathedral.
Notable Burials
Salisbury Cathedral is the final resting place of several notable individuals, including:
- William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an illegitimate son of King Henry II and a prominent military commander.
- Richard Poore, the bishop who oversaw the construction of the cathedral.
- Saint Osmund, a Norman nobleman and the second bishop of Salisbury, who was canonized in 1457.
Conservation and Restoration
Over the centuries, Salisbury Cathedral has undergone numerous conservation and restoration projects to preserve its structure and appearance. One of the most significant restoration efforts took place in the 19th century, under the direction of the architect George Gilbert Scott. Scott's work included the repair of the spire, the restoration of the west front, and the installation of new stained glass windows.
In recent years, the cathedral has continued to undergo regular maintenance and conservation work, including the cleaning and repair of the stonework, the restoration of the stained glass windows, and the conservation of the Magna Carta.